Academic Enrichment: Researching & Identifying Potential Scholarships & Awards (2 points) Co'29

 Over winter break, I took some time to focus on researching potential scholarships for the upcoming spring and fall semesters. Scholarship applications have always felt tedious to me; so many of the prompts and questions feel repetitive, and no matter how many times I apply, I never seem to get the results I hope for. This time, though, I decided to approach it differently.

I spent time carefully identifying two to three scholarships that I know I can dedicate my full attention to. Rather than spreading myself too thin, I wanted to focus on opportunities where I could present my strongest applications. Organizations like TMCF, UNCF, and the National Spelman Alumni Association were especially helpful. Their websites and resources made it easier to navigate application requirements, deadlines, and eligibility. I even started creating multiple accounts on these platforms so I can keep track of opportunities and submit everything efficiently.

This process reminded me that scholarship research is just as important as the application itself. Taking the time to learn about each organization, their mission, and what they value allowed me to feel more confident in my ability to submit strong applications. While the work isn’t over yet, I feel energized and motivated to continue applying and exploring other opportunities as well. I hope this approach leads to success, and I’m excited to see what doors these scholarships might open. Researching and planning now gives me a sense of control and optimism for the semesters ahead.

Taryn Allen Co'2029